Trusted Agent profile · Banbury
★★★★★
173 reviews across 2 platforms
3-4 Horsefair, Banbury, OX16 0AA
Stepping Stones's office in Banbury, at 3-4 Horsefair, is rated 4.0 out of 5 across 173 reviews on two platforms, including 172 Google reviews rated 4.0.
Tell us what you need and we'll put you in touch. Stepping Stones Banbury hasn't joined The Trusted Agent yet, so we'll pass your enquiry to them or to up to three other top-rated agents near Banbury.
Every review we hold for the Banbury office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
5/5
GoogleStepping Stones have been fantastic during our tenancy, when thing broke they were quick to act and check-out at end of tenancy was handled really well. Would use them again for sure.
Thanks Kyle, I am glad that you had a trouble free tenancy. If you need anything in the future let us know.
5/5
GoogleStepping stones made it easy for me to find a place suitable for me, also were very helpful every step of the way.
Many thanks Jamie
5/5
GoogleStepping Stones have let property for over 20 years, they have always found us exceptional tenants who are thoroughly vetted. They have managed our properties really well and I would recommend them
Thanks for the kind words Pam. I am glad that we could be of help and you know where we are if you need us again in the future. Ben Jones - Stepping Stones
5/5
GoogleI wasn’t particularly impressed with the guy who showed me the flat but Emma at the agency was wonderful. She saw I was unsure and suggested I take longer to consider if the property was right for me. It was exactly what I needed. Thanks.
Glad that we could help Claire. - Stepping Stones
1/5
GoogleUseless, after an hours drive from lechlade to banbury, went for a viewing and then had to call when nobody turned up and they claimed that the viewing had been cancelled no call no message and no email. No customer service what so ever won't be using them again.
Dear Mr Moore. I am terribly sorry for your wasted journey but we left a voice mail message on Friday after the property was let. We cancelled three viewings at this time and the other two callers received their messages. I do not understand why you do not appear to have received your message and if this was a dialling error from our end then I do apologise. The nature of our business is that we do have to cancel appointments at fairly short notice as properties are let on a first come basis but we do try to minimise disruption and wasted journeys as much as we can. Again, my apologies for this and if we can help further with your property search please let me know. Ben Jones
4/5
GoogleThe agency is warmful and helpful to go through the tenancy problem peacefully. The people I have dealt with in this agency were kind and trying to help me during my multi years of tenancy. Honestly, I would recommend to go for tenancy if you are looking for any accommodation. Thanks
5/5
GoogleVery helpful staff helped us find our dream home
Hi Fi Thanks for your kind words and I am glad that we could help. Ben Jones Stepping Stones
5/5
GoogleI always have such amazing service from all of the Stepping Stones team. So happy that I am continuing with their services in my new home!
Thanks for the kind words. They are much appreciated.
1/5
GoogleWent to view a property for my mother in law to rent for 12 months, she can even pay the 12 months up front. Lovely property in Banbury. One we had viewed it we went and spoke with the agent. Once he discovered that my mother in law only worked part time (she is in her 60s) and she did not earn over £23k a year, he changed. He said there was no way she would be able to have the house without a guarantor who earns over £23k. This made no sense as she wanted to pay the 12 months rent up front. The man was very unhelpful and did not care. It makes me wonder how they rent any properties at all. Oh well I guess some other estate agent will prosper from my mother in laws money. Sort you act out stepping stones
1/5
GoogleAbsolutely appalling, please avoid at all costs. I moved to Banbury in 2013 and rented a 2 bed flat in Peoples Place. In 2016 my landlord sold the property but wrote to me to thank me for being such a helpful tenant and advised that a new property investor would be taking the property on. At this point Stepping Stones took over the property and things quickly went wrong, very wrong! Their response to maintenance issues was slow at best, for example they thought it was perfectly acceptable to leave me without a washing machine for two weeks but this was a trivial in comparison to other matters. Stepping Stones tried to push me in to a new long term contract which wasn't possible due to my personal work circumstances. They also failed to take in to consideration my existing tenancy agreement, seeking to raise my rent without following the correct procedure. Within 9 months they sought to raise my rent by £100 a month (15%). I decided to ask a solicitor to look in to the matter. He established various failings including that Stepping Stones had failed to send me details of the deposit protection scheme when they took over the property and also never sent me the legally required Section 48 document to advise me of the new landlord. My solicitor also found various errors and omissions which rendered their documents invalid. When my solicitor asked for evidence they had complied with the law/regulations/procedures and had sent me the necessary documents Stepping Stones responded to his requests with an eviction notice. Furthermore Stepping Stones sent me a number arrears notices one of which threatened court action. My solicitor told me to ignore these as they were invalid and eventually Stepping Stones admitted they made an error but blamed it on a computer and not the fact they had misinterpreted my contract or that they had failed to follow the correct procedure. I reported Stepping Stones to the The Property Ombudsman (TPO). Stepping Stones offered my £1800 to withdrawn my complaint on the basis I would sign a non-disclosure agreement but I refused. From my perspective this was just an attempt for them to bury the complaint and Stepping Stones needed to mend their ways. Stepping Stones have fought this case all the way rather than simply admit mistakes and commit to corrective actions. The ombudsman has now reviewed the case and a few excerpts from their investigation are below : "No evidence was received from Stepping Stones in their submission documents to support the fact that these letters were sent" "I consider that there is sufficient evidence of a failure to undertake due diligence and I refer specifically to Paragraph 11c of the Code." "Failure on the part of SS to appraise themselves of all the facts is likely to have contributed to a level of unnecessary aggravation, distress and inconvenience." "I have found that there were service shortcomings/failings under the Code of Practice and I will make an award that I consider fairly compensates for the aggravation, distress and inconvenience caused by those shortcomings." The response from the TPO backs up my case however it does not go far enough given the legal failings. Whilst they have found in my favour if I accept their response it leaves me with no grounds for legal recourse as such I will decline it and so the case continues. This is the short version of the story and I will be blogging about this with more details and commentary from the TPO over the coming weeks. If you read around online you will also find other reported cases of Stepping Stones being taken to the Ombudsman and to court as well as their heavy handed tactics. In my opinion Stepping Stones seek to deny, defend and dominate in an attempt to get you to give up or roll over. I didn't, neither should you, but please be careful.
5/5
GoogleRented through Stepping Stones for the past 2 1/2 years and they have always been professional and courteous with any queries that I’ve had. Would recommend them as an agent.PositiveQuality, Professionalism
Thanks for the nice review Rebecca, I am glad that we could help. If you need anything in the future let us know. Ben Jones - Stepping Stones
1/5
GoogleVery difficult and obstructive. Despite offering to pay the whole contract in advance they refused to look in to it because 'they don't let to students'. I am a mature nursing student with a young child and the money from a house sale in the bank so I am not going to trash the place with mad parties and have the funds to pay the rent. Instead the property we are interested in has been empty since August and the price reduced twice. Should be avoided by landlords and tenants alike. I currently have a complaint against them going through the housing ombudsman and my local MP is looking in to this as it is discriminatory and is denying access to accommodation for mature students.
5/5
GoogleGreat lettings agency, lived in their property for 2 and a half years. They are very friendly staff who have supported us well through our tenancy, would recommend!
Thanks for the kind words Jacob. Let us know if you need anything in the future. Ben Jones - Stepping Stones
2/5
GoogleTried to charge us £140 on check out to clean a pair of curtains that fortunately we'd already noted were stained on the check in inventory. Tried to be reasonable and said we would get them dry cleaned for a reasonable price and they came back saying that we would have to pay for them to be taken down, cleaned, iron and rehung. Lucky we were on good terms with our landlord or I fear we would have had a real battle getting out deposit back
5/5
GoogleI have rented from Stepping Stones for over a year and cannot recommend them enough, any time we have needed help, they have immediately come to our aid and have organised someone to fix a problem, or have simplified complicated clerical issues. They are without doubt the best agency I have ever dealt with and have proven time and time again they can be trusted to do what they say. I can only assume that the negative reviews are internet trolls or are from inferior rival agencies !
5/5
GoogleStepping Stones have been our letting agent for ~9 years and in all that time we have found them to offer a very good level of service, both in terms of letting and ensuring the property is properly maintained. When property issues occur, they are quick to respond and resolve those issues quickly and fairly. They ensure that they provide a total solution that helps both anyone letting our property and peace of mind for ourselves. Thank you Stepping Stones
4/5
GoogleAs a landlord, I have found Stepping Stones to be very professional and good value for money. They have always responded quickly to my contact and have kept on top of the tenant's requirements, keeping me well informed.PositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Thanks for the nice review Tim, I am glad that we impressed. Ben Jones - Stepping Stones
5/5
GoogleThey are Good very responsive and Helpful All the best team for there work and Support.
Thanks. Your kind words are much appreciated. Ben Jones - Stepping Stones Letting
5/5
GoogleGood quality accommodation. Very well organised letting procedure and clear communication relating to check in and check out process. Staff were very friendly and helpful with using facilities
Thanks for the kind words Vicky. I'm glad that you have had a good experience with Stepping Stones.
5/5
GoogleVery happy with Stepping Stones, I would definitely recommend them. They are up front with all costs, they care about both tenant and landlord being fairly treated, and did an excellent job for us. Good to deal with, responsive and well organised.
Many thanks Shelagh, much appreciated.
5/5
GoogleThe team at Stepping Stones were brilliant! Super efficient service including finding tenants, arranging decorating, maintenance and all paperwork. Very helpful, nothing too much trouble. Highly recommended.
Thanks for the nice review Stephen, I am that we could help. Ben Jones - Stepping Stones
5/5
GoogleReally attentive helpful staff. Easy to contact and always up to date on requirements
Thanks Lin, much appreciated.
4/5
GoogleI am very impressed by the professional manner of staff at Stepping Stones. You made us feel very comfortable as we got into the new property!
1/5
GoogleWouldn't even give them a 1 star. Called to arrange a viewing on a property minutes after it was posted online.. and we were given the "first available viewing". We've now been emailed today and informed that the property has been taken.. Nice work 👍🏻Basically.. don't waste your time trying to secure a property as you'll be badly informed and mislead!NegativeResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism
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Tell us what you need and we'll put you in touch. Stepping Stones Banbury hasn't joined The Trusted Agent yet, so we'll pass your enquiry to them or to up to three other top-rated agents near Banbury.
